Paper short abstract:

The paper critically examines food policies during COVID-19 in India, emphasising the differential impact on vulnerable groups and advocating for multi-disciplinary perspectives that prioritise social justice in crafting comprehensive solutions for sustainable and equitable food systems.

Paper long abstract:

This paper conducts a comprehensive examination of urban food infrastructure in India following the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on its nuanced impact on vulnerable groups. It advocates for multi-disciplinary perspectives, highlighting the roles of the State, grassroots initiatives, and the market, while emphasizing socio-spatial patterns. The analysis underscores the vital connection between urban food infrastructure, social justice, and sustainable systems. Additionally, the paper calls for leveraging local and indigenous knowledge to enhance the food system's resilience, citing successful examples within indigenous communities. It stresses the importance of developing a local food economy rooted in specific places, economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable. The study critically evaluates policy responses at both state and central levels, revealing gaps that require attention for building a resilient food system. Policy recommendations focus on addressing structural barriers hindering inclusive participation, acknowledging socio-cultural realities, and preventing corruption in implementation. The conclusion emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing a comprehensive analysis of inequalities, advocating for resilient food systems that ensure accessible and nutritious food for diverse segments in India, particularly during times of crisis.

Keywords: Urban Food Infrastructure, COVID-19, Vulnerable Groups, Social Justice, Sustainable Systems, Local Food Economy, Resilient Food System, Policy Analysis, Inclusive Participation, Inequalities.